The Shift from Smoking to Eating: Exploring the Bagel Phenomenon
Food Culture Joan Breibart Food Culture Joan Breibart

The Shift from Smoking to Eating: Exploring the Bagel Phenomenon

The replacement of cigarettes with bagels is more than a mere lifestyle trend; it's a reflection of our evolving attitudes towards health, pleasure, and responsibility. As we navigate these changes, the balance between personal enjoyment and global ethical considerations remains a critical aspect of our collective journey towards better health and well-being.

Read More
The Problem with BMI
Food Politics Joan Breibart Food Politics Joan Breibart

The Problem with BMI

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure of body fat based on an individual's weight and height. It is a simple and quick screening tool TODAY because online there are calculators. But when the CDC and the NIH switched from the easy Hamwi in 1985 it wasn’t to make it easy since you needed to know square roots and other complicated math and in metrics too! They did it so they could jigger the formula so no one would be obese! Love yourself! FAT Acceptance here we come.

Read More
Rethinking Calorie Counting: The Hormonal Influence on Health and Weight
Portion Control Joan Breibart Portion Control Joan Breibart

Rethinking Calorie Counting: The Hormonal Influence on Health and Weight

Calorie counting, traditionally seen as the cornerstone of weight management, is increasingly criticized for its oversimplified view that neglects the complex hormonal interplay influencing hunger, metabolism, and weight. Instead, focusing on hormonal regulation, particularly through the management of insulin and leptin levels by choosing satisfying foods over strictly "healthy" options, offers a more effective and sustainable approach to achieving a healthier weight and overall well-being, challenging the prevailing calorie-centric narrative.

Read More
Food Politics: Stop Torturing Yourself
Food Politics Joan Breibart Food Politics Joan Breibart

Food Politics: Stop Torturing Yourself

The 80Bites program is popular because of it’s straightforward approach to eating, but it's bumping up against the hard-to-shake belief in the "eat healthy" mantra, even with its clear stance against obsessing over calories and nutrients. It's shining a light on the deep-rooted diet culture and questioning whether it can fully cater to vegetarians, all while tackling the bigger picture of how our food choices are influenced by trends, health perceptions, and the environment.

Read More